Here at Kalmbach Publishing Co., we’re counting down the days until the Bead&Button Show, June 1–8 in Milwaukee, Wis. Meanwhile, the non-beading population of the greater Milwaukee area is counting down to another summertime favorite – Summerfest.

Summerfest, also known as “The Big Gig,” is touted as the world’s largest music festival, and indeed the festival will be drawing more than 700 bands this year. It will run from June 26 to July 6 on the shores of Lake Michigan.

But what has that got to do with beading? Well, Summerfest also features a number of markets that attract vendors of some really unique objects, including jewelry. Take a look at this partial list of 2007 vendors, and notice the variety of jewelry sellers. I saw the Guitar String Jewelry kiosk, and you better believe that almost every component of their necklaces, bracelets, and earrings came off a guitar!

I also discovered Steel Daisy at Summerfest two years ago. This Canadian designer does some incredible wirework to offset crystals and gemstones beads. I bought one of her Cluster Rings, which are worked with a single length of wire. My ring incorporates a hunk of amber (to match my Russian amber necklace), much like this ring incorporates a hunk of garnet. Steel Daisy is planning to be at Summerfest again this year, as will many other handmade-jewelry makers.

So if you’re a fan of music and jewelry, it might be worth your while to plan a summer outing to Summerfest!